From menorah lightings to craft and storytimes, these Seattle Hanukkah events celebrate light overcoming the darkness
Bring on the latkes and break out the menorahs—the festival of lights is right around the corner. This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 18 and ends at sundown on December 26. Seattle has loads of celebrations all over town, from community menorah lightings and interactive storytimes to ice skating festivals and potluck feasts. We’ve got the best Hanukkah events to mark the season. If you’re looking for even more ways to celebrate with kids, check out these 14 fun crafts to keep your crew busy and happy at home.
Menorah Lightings in Seattle & the Eastside
1. Lynwood City Hall
Get ready for a latke of fun! This giant menorah lighting includes kid-friendly attractions like balloon twisting, live music, chocolate get and doughnuts.
Date & Time: Dec. 18, 4–5 p.m.
Online: lynnwoodwa.gov
2. Marina Park
Join Chabad of Kirkland for this grand menorah lighting. The entire community is welcome to attend and hear the story of Hanukkah. The menorah will remain on display through December 26, 2022, at Marina Park.
Date & Time: Dec. 18, 4-6 p.m.
Online: kirklandwa.gov
3. Light Up Renton
Watch the giant menorah blaze at a light and stunt show that brightens all of Renton Landing. This celebratory event will feature Hanukkah treats, a fire-truck gelt drop, sweets, swag and more.
Date & Time: Dec. 18, 4:30 p.m.
Online: jewishrenton.com
4. Pop-Up Chanukah
Love, lights and doughnuts! Gather at Junction Plaza Park for West Seattle’s beloved annual Pop-up Hanukkah event with a grand menorah lighting, songs and plenty of community spirit.
Date & Time: Dec. 18, 5–6 p.m.
Online: facebook.com/events
5. Menorah Lighting & Celebration at Volunteer Park
Celebrate the second night of Hanukkah with Chabad of Capitol Hill at this community menorah lighting at Volunteer Park in Seattle. Live music, latkes and gifts for kiddos are all part of the fun.
Date & Time: Dec. 19, 5:15–6 p.m.
Online: facebook.com/events
6. Public Menorah Lighting Downtown Bellevue Park
Push out darkness with light at a public menorah lighting in Downtown Bellevue Park hosted by Chabad Downtown Bellevue on the third night of the eight-day celebration. Be inspired to bring light into the world through love and kindness. Enjoy traditional foods, hot drinks, music and more in the "lawn area" of the park. RSVP is requested.
Date & Time: Dec. 20, 5:30–7 p.m.
Online: chabaddowntownbellevue.org
Ice Skating Celebrations
7. Hanukkah on Ice Celebration
Get the party started with a night out at the ice rink. Head over to Sno-King Ice Arena in Snoqualmie for a celebration of Hanukkah with family and friends.
Date & Time: Dec. 18, 4-5 p.m.
Cost: $18; Free, kids 4 & under
Online: chabadissaquah.com
8. Chanukah at the Kraken
Skate on the same rink your favorite Kraken team practices on, witnessing the first-ever carving and lighting of a full-size ice Menorah on the rink, traditional Chanukah bites and kids swag, and finally, a grand figure skating show by the worlds' #1 junior ranking skater, Lucas Broussard!
Date & Time: Dec. 18, 4-6 p.m.
Cost: $20/person; Free, kids 3 & under
Online: eventbrite.com
Kids’ Hanukkah Workshops & Interactive Events
8. Hands-On Hanukkah in King County
This year, the Stroum Jewish Community Center brings Hanukkah fun to you! Hands-On Hanukkah sessions take place at a number of different King County locations, and the fun will include free activities for kids and yummy treats.
9. A Tie Die Chanukah Celebration
Kids aged 5 - 10 are invited to make a colorful splash at Chabad of the Central Cascades Tie Die Chanukah Celebration. Kids will enjoy donuts and play with dreidels during the event.
Date & Time: Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/kid
Online: chabadissaquah.com
10. Menorah Workshop
Get crafty and try your hand at building your own menorah for Hanukkah at this local workshop in Shoreline.
Date & Time: Dec. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Online: shorelinejewishcenter.org
Hanukkah Storytimes
11. Interactive Hanukkah Storytime & Singalong
Bring the family to learn about Hanukkah through the words of two Sephardic children’s authors (one local, one world-renowned) as they share their Jewish Cuban family stories. Julie Anna Blank (“Hanukkah in Little Havana”) and Ruth Behar (“Tía Fortuna’s New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey”) read their beautifully illustrated books. There will be a singalong and an opportunity for kids to make a Hanukkah menorah out of snacks.
Date & Time: Dec. 11, 10 a.m.
Online: sjcc.org
12. Storytime with Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg
Head over to Barnes and Noble and enjoy storytime with Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg as she reads from some of her favorite Hanukkah selections. Recommended for all kids ages 3-12.
Date & Time: Dec. 19, 6–7 p.m.
Online: stores.barnesandnoble.com
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